The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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